I'm glad to hear you all pretty much enjoyed this book. I think all of has a little bit of romance in ourselves and sometimes our books are an escape into that romance world. I, myself have fallen into all of the remakes and similar stories of Pride and Prejudice.
Just a couple of questions for you to answer or just think about.
Who did you think she would end up with, Martin or Mr. Nobley?
Did you have a hard time figuring out what was their play acting world and what was reality (especially in regards to their feelings)?
Please feel free to leave additional comments or ask any questions!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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7 comments:
I loved this book!
1. I thought she would end up with Martin. My reasoning was that Mr. Nobley was too good to be true.
2. I did have a hard time deciphering between reality and play acting. I found myself wanting to believe that the feelings she had and what others expressed (or hinted at) were real, but I had to keep reminding myself that they were all paid actors.
3. Did anyone have a favorite part in the book?
I really really really loved this book! Thanks for choosing it.
1. At first I thought she'd end up with Martin. Then I started to think it wouldn't work out because their relationship was almost purely physical and "fun."
2. I think most of the time I could tell the difference between the acting and reality (except for Martin). There were parts where I think Mr. Nobley was pretending to act but really wasn't. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference, though. I was shocked in the end to find out about Martin. That was very unexpected.
3. (Ruth's question) I know I did have favorite parts, but I read it at the beginning of the month and have since read a few other books, so I can't remember very many specific things I really liked. I liked the whole thing, really. I want to read it again, but my sister has my copy. I liked the humor found throughout. I laughed outloud many times. I liked Jane a lot. She was very likeable, funny, smart, and she learned a lot about herself. I also liked the airport and airplane scenes. They were very cute without being overly cheesy.
I liked what she learned in the end (at least this is what I got out of it)- that Mr. Darcy does exist. He exists in the person that you fall in love with and who falls in love with you. You can't create him out of someone who's not meant for you. My Mr. Darcy is Joel. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true! I am a new fan of Shannon Hale. I plan on reading more of her books.
Oh, are we allowed to make less than positive feedback on the books in this blog? Well, here it goes.
I found myself uncomfortable for Jane throughout the whole book. I did feel for her being single and lonely and having a hard time finding the right guy (I did get married "older" and kind of knew what she was going through) but the way the book make me feel of the 19th century life was kind of weird.
Maybe I felt like that because I read this book right after Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. Life in the 19th century was not as weird as the Austenland puts it and it made sense to people of that time because that was the only way of life they knew.
I also had a hard time seeing how Jane and Mr. Nobley could fall in love when it was all an act. He was acting and she came to Austenland knowing it would be all act.
I did not hate the book. Sorry if this comment is not so positive. I am glad I read the book though. I had heard about it before and was curious about the story.
Camelia,
I'm so glad you feel you can share honest feelings here. Of course you can say you didn't like it!
You bring up some interesting points as well. You're right that it would be difficult for Jane to really know what parts of Mr. Nobley she could trust as being real vs. acting.
I think the way the author explained the customs and culture of the Jane Austen time period had a purpose. I think she was trying to show how different it was than what we're used to now; instead of trying to show how weird it was. But that's just my opinion.
Anyway, I hope everyone feels comfortable in sharing their opinions, likes, and dislikes here.
Thanks Ruth. I hope no one ever takes offense since we did not write the books ourselves. Right?
I didn't care for the book either. I thought it was cheesy. I did not buy into the fact that Jane and Mr. Nobley could fall in love and I couldn't help thinking, after I finished the book, "I wonder how long that relationship will last." I thought the grand finale was ridiculous; like that would ever happen in real life.
I do have to say I thought she would end up with Martin (but was curiously suspicious she would end up with Mr. Nobley because of to what the back of the book eluded) and I was pleasantly surprised to find out he was acting the part!
My favorite part of the book was when Jane found out Martin was acting. I thought it was a figurative slap in the face that she needed to get a hold of herself and step into reality.
Finally, my disappointment goes further for two reasons: 1. I have read and enjoyed other Shannon Hale books 2. I have read and enjoyed many sequels/spins (or what have you) to 'Pride and Prejudice.'
OK. I know I have posted enough, but I am reading another sequels to P&P called "Mr. Darcy takes a wife". It is not hald bad but of-course it is not the same. There is also another one called "Mr. Darcy's Daughters". I thought you P&P fans might want to know.
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